How to Determine Risk Level of Application, Spyware, and Anti-Virus

Shown below is the matrix used to determine the risk level of threats, spyware, and anti-virus.

Technology

Technology

Description

network-protocol

An application that is generally used for system to system communication that facilitates network operation. This includes most of the IP protocols.

client-server

An application that uses a client-server model where one or more clients communicate with a server in the network.

peer-to-peer

An application that communicates directly with other clients to transfer information instead of relying on a central server to facilitate the communication.

browser-based

An application that relies on a web browser to function.

Characteristics

Characteristic

Description

Capable of File Transfer

Likely has more than 1,000,000 users. Has the capability to transfer a file from one system to another over a network. A streaming app that has no other mechanism to transfer files other than the video or audio streaming should not be flagged as able to transfer files.

Used by Malware

Malware has been known to use the app for propagation, attack, or data theft, or is distributed with malware.

Excessive Bandwidth Use

Consumes at least 1 Mbps on a regular basis through normal use.

Evasive

Uses a port or protocol for something other than its originally intended purpose with the hope that it will traverse a firewall.

Pervasive

Likely has more than 1,000,000 users.

Known Vulnerabilities

Has publicly reported vulnerability. For web-based apps, it should also be set to yes, as HTTP always has vulnerability.

Prone to Misuse

Often used for nefarious purposes or is easily setup to expose more than the user intended.

Tunnels Other Apps

Is able to transport other applications inside its protocol.

File-type ident

Should be set if app can upload or download a file-type over a decodable protocol (e.g. http).

Spyware-ident

Should be set if the app can upload or download an executable file over a decodable protocol.

Virus-ident

Same as spyware ident.

Vulnerability-ident

For web-based apps, the vulnerability-ident should always be yes, since they are http and http always has some vulnerabilities.

deny-action

For web-based apps,deny-action should be set to drop-reset (unless there is some issues with the app receiving tcp-reset).